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8 Tips To Create Personal Learning Paths In eLearning

The most profound eLearning experiences are those that resonate with us on a deeper level. We form a connection with the subject matter and become active participates in the learning process. In this article, I'll explore how to create, cultivate, and use personal learning paths in eLearning.

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How To Create Personal Learning Paths In eLearning

Personal Learning Paths give online learners the opportunity to pursue their learning goals and meet their individual needs. Instead of a "one-size-fits-all-approach," learner-centric paths feature targeted eLearning activities and assessments that are fully customized. Thus, every member of your audience has the chance to reach their true potential and fill unique performance gaps. Here are 8 top tips for creating, cultivating and using personal learning paths in your eLearning course design.

1. Empower Learners With An Interactive eLearning Course Map

Freedom to choose is one of the cornerstones of personalized learning. Online learners should have the power to decide which eLearning activities they complete, when, and how they assess their progress. This also pertains to their level of participation and interaction with their peers. One of the best ways to empower your online learners is incorporating an interactive eLearning course map that they explore on their own. Visual learners who need to hone their skills can access branching scenarios. While kinesthetic learners are able to participate in tactile serious gamesthat improve task proficiency. There is no need to keep pace with their peers, as every aspect of the eLearning experience is custom tailoredfor them.

2. Create Targeted Learning Goals And Objectives

Online learners need a learning goalto set their sights on. In addition to the eLearning course learning objectives, online learners should also have the power to create learning goals for themselves. These are based on personal skill and performance gaps, as well as obstacles they encounter on a daily basis. For example, if they want to be more effective managers on-the-job, they must strengthen their conflict resolution skills. If a long-term learning goal is involved, break it down into smaller milestones to keep online learners motivated and engaged.

3. Showcase Personal Learning Paths To Fuel Motivation

eLearning portfolios, blogs, and other online platforms help online learners track their progress visually. Instead of just receiving eLearning assessment results, they can create their own content to test their proficiency. For example, producing an online presentation for a specific sub-topic and then uploading it onto their blog site. This increases their motivation and allows them to collect peer-based feedback. As they tackle each eLearning lesson or module, they add to their eLearning portfolio and can take pride in their work.

4. Give Online Learners The Opportunity To Reflect And Reinforce

Reflection is a major component of personal learning paths. Online learners require time to reflect on the topic and determine how they will use the information in their real lives. This puts the information into context and stresses the benefits of learning the key concepts. Online learners also need to reinforce their knowledge throughactive recall. For example, putting the eLearning content into their own words or creating an eLearning blog post which highlights the core ideas.

5. Make eLearning Resources Readily Available

Personal learning paths are easily accessible. Convenience is key, and online learners must be able to get the information they need when the time is right. As such, it's wise to create an online resource library that covers all the main topics and ideas. For example, a clickable list of eLearning activities,multimedia, and eLearning assessments that online learners explore on their own. Those who are struggling can use the library to fill the knowledge gaps, while those who excel have the chance to study sub-topics and challenge themselves.

6. Foster A Collaborative Learning Culture

Following personal learning paths doesn't mean that online learners have to go it alone. In fact, incorporating social learning elements, such as collaborative online group projects and online discussions, can enrich the eLearning experience. Foster a supportive and collaborativelearning culture by encouraging online learners to interact with their peers and engage in lively debates. Create closed social media groups and blogs where they can share opinions and feedback. Online collaboration offers them a fresh perspective and gives them a chance to learn from peers with more experience.

7. Provide Personalized Praise And Feedback

Since we're on the subject of feedback, personal learning paths must be framed by personalized praise and constructive criticism. More importantly, it should be provided as soon as possible and consist of follow-up recommendations. For example, suggesting supplemental online resources that help online learners fill personal performance gaps. Be specific about what online learners need to improve, how, and why. They need to know how the extra effort is going to pay off and improve some aspect of their lives. In some cases, an individual training contract may be beneficial. These training contracts hold online learners accountable for their actions and ensure that they get the most from the eLearning experience. A training contract also outlines their learning goals, which online resources are available, and milestone deadlines.

8. Use eLearning Assessments To Pave New Paths

Many eLearning professionals incorporate summative assessments at the end of the eLearning course or module. Exams are used as a way to gauge eLearning progress and proficiency. However, it's also crucial to assess your online learners early and often when they are pursuing personal learning paths. An online pre-test may serve as a baseline for the rest of the eLearning course. It reveals what they know now, what they still need to learn, and the best way to bridge the distance. For example, the eLearning activities that will help them get from the start to the finish line. eLearning assessments also make way for new personal learning paths, such as additional skills or topics that online learners must acquire.

Personal learning paths give individuals complete control of when they learn, what they learn, and how they achieve their learning objectives of the eLearning course. You can use these 8 tips to get your online learners on the road to success and eliminate motivational roadblocks.